The All-India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) for the month of November, 2023 increased by 12  points and 11 points respectively to stand at 1253 and 1262 points respectively. The major contribution towards rise in the general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food group to the extent of 10.85 and 10.50 points respectively mainly due to increase in prices of rice, wheat atta, pulses, onion, turmeric whole, garlic,  mixed spices, etc.

There has been an upward trend in the index across all the states except West Bengal (both CPI-AL and CPI-RL indices decreased) and Himachal Pradesh (the CPI-AL index decreased).

In the case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 States, 11 to 20 points in 4 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states. Tamil Nadu with 1453 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 958 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 states, 11 to 20 points in 5 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 1439 points each topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 1015 points stood at the bottom.

Among states, the maximum increase for CPI-AL was experienced by Maharashtra of 27 points which was mainly driven by the increased prices of jowar, rice, wheat atta, tapioca, arhar dal, onion and sugar etc. For CPI-RL, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu saw an increase of 24 points each, mainly driven by increase in prices of rice, jowar, ragi, fish fresh, onion, arhar dal, vegetables and fruits (especially brinjal, tomato and lady finger) etc. West Bengal experienced the maximum decrease of 14 points for both CPI-AL and CPI-RL due to fall in prices of rice, ginger, chilly green, vegetables and fruits (especially brinjal & lady finger), firewood etc.

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.37% and 7.13%  in November, 2023 compared to 7.08% and 6.92% respectively in October, 2023 and 6.87% and 6.99% respectively during the corresponding month of  previous year. Similarly, food inflation stood at 9.38% and 9.14% compared to 8.42% and 8.18% respectively in October, 2023 and 6.19% & 6.05% respectively during the corresponding month of previous year.

All-India Consumer Price Index Number (General & Group-wise):

The CPI – AL and RL for the month of December, 2023 will be released on19^th January, 2024.

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MJPS/NSK